January 1st is New Year’s Day—or is it? While the Western calendar kicks off the year with fireworks and resolutions, for millions around the world, the real celebration is yet to come. Chinese New Year, rooted in the rhythms of the moon, begins on January 29th this year, marking the start of the year of the Snake. With vibrant traditions, delicious feasts, and a rich tapestry of cultural symbols, it’s a celebration unlike any other.
What makes Chinese New Year unique?
To delve deeper into this vibrant tradition, we spoke with Bessie Xiu and her daughter, Grace, Chinese-Canadians who are happy to share their family’s customs and the rich cultural significance of this annual celebration. Unlike the solar calendar used in the West, Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar. “It’s different because our calendar follows the phases of the moon,” explains Grace Xiu. Celebrations typically last for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival.
Each year is associated with one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. "This year is the Year of the Snake," Grace shared. "Snakes symbolize smartness and intelligence." Both Bessie and Grace were born in the Year of the Dragon, a year associated with ambition and perseverance, making their perspectives on the zodiac particularly insightful.
Festivities centered on family and food
For many families, including the Xius, the celebration begins with a deep clean of their homes to “sweep away bad luck” and welcome a fresh start. "We also prepare a lot of food for what we call a reunion dinner," said Bessie. This meal, held on New Year’s Eve, (January 28th), is the heart of the holiday.
Key dishes include dumplings, which symbolize wealth due to their resemblance to ancient Chinese ingots, and a whole fish, representing surplus and prosperity. "In Chinese, the word for fish sounds like the word for surplus," Bessie explained. "Eating fish ensures a prosperous year ahead."
Symbols of luck and prosperity
The color red is omnipresent during Chinese New Year, representing good fortune and joy. Red envelopes, or hongbao, in Mandarin, are filled with money and given to children as a gesture of protection and blessing. "Some of our Canadian friends even surprised us by giving red envelopes to Grace and her sister," says Bessie.
Decorations, including red couplets and upside-down fu characters (symbolizing good fortune arriving), adorn doors and homes. “It’s all about wishing for a bright future and happiness,” Grace added.
Traditions old and new
While some traditions remain the same, others have evolved. In cities, elaborate dragon and lion dances take center stage during public celebrations. "The dragon symbolizes power and is believed to scare away evil spirits," said Bessie. Performed by acrobats, these dances are a visual spectacle, often accompanied by fireworks—a custom rooted in the legend of scaring away a mythical monster on New Year’s Eve.
For Bessie, teaching Grace about their heritage is essential. “We cherish our Chinese culture and want to pass it on to future generations,” she says. Grace, born in Canada, embraces both her Chinese and Canadian identities, celebrating Christmas alongside Chinese New Year.
Bessie emphasized the importance of these traditions. "It’s about keeping a connection to our roots while sharing them with others."
A time for joy and reflection
Chinese New Year is not just a celebration of the past but a way to hope for the future. Whether it’s cleaning the house, sharing a meal, or watching a dragon dance, every tradition carries meaning. As Grace put it, “It’s actually really fun to dress up, celebrate, and share this with our Canadian friends.”
Happy Year of the Snake! May it be a year of wisdom, prosperity, and connection.